Barnsbury Primary School and Nursery, located in Woking, Surrey, has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 16 and 17, 2021. The school fosters a positive environment where pupils feel happy and safe. Teachers maintain high expectations for both academic performance and behavior, and students consistently meet these expectations, demonstrating exceptional conduct. In instances of bullying, staff respond promptly, ensuring that pupils feel confident in raising concerns, knowing they will be taken seriously.
During social times, pupils engage in sensible play across various areas of the school playgrounds. They enjoy reading in the outdoor library and participating in games with friends. The school provides numerous opportunities for students to build resilience and confidence, such as joining the school council to discuss and debate school matters. Older pupils can apply for leadership roles like house captains or sports captains, which involves writing application letters and delivering speeches to their peers.
The school offers a variety of after-school clubs, including gardening, design, and cooking. Pupils with worries can express their concerns by writing them down and placing them in the 'worry monster,' allowing teachers to address these issues. Additionally, the 'rainbow room' is available for students needing support from trained staff members.
Leaders at Barnsbury Primary School have made significant efforts to enhance the curriculum since the last inspection. They have reviewed and revised the curriculum to make it more ambitious, particularly in reading and mathematics, where knowledge is taught in a well-organized manner. However, in some subjects, leaders have yet to fully develop and sequence the knowledge pupils are expected to learn, which affects the depth of their understanding in those areas. Leaders are actively working to improve the organization of knowledge across these subjects.
The school places a strong emphasis on reading, with well-trained staff effectively teaching phonics. This approach ensures that pupils develop fluency in reading from an early age, preparing them well for subsequent years. As students progress through the school, they become increasingly interested in books and frequently utilize the school library.
In mathematics, younger pupils quickly grasp concepts related to numbers and counting, benefiting from a vibrant learning environment. By the end of Reception, children can perform simple calculations. As they advance, pupils develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, with older students demonstrating their ability to simplify fractions and perform calculations involving them.
Teachers skillfully explain complex concepts and use questioning techniques to assess pupils' understanding. For instance, in religious education, Year 4 pupils were able to recall previous lessons about Guru Nanak, facilitating their exploration of Sikh devotion.
Pupils requiring additional support are identified and assisted promptly. Teaching assistants provide effective help for those with special educational needs and disabilities. Leaders collaborate with external agencies to ensure that students needing specialized support receive it, including access to speech and language therapists and educational psychologists.
The special educational needs coordinator accurately assesses pupils' needs and involves parents in determining appropriate support. Detailed plans outline effective strategies for supporting pupils with special educational needs, ensuring that all staff are informed about how to adapt their teaching accordingly.
Pupils develop confidence and character through various initiatives, such as becoming 'digital leaders' to help younger students understand online safety. They also learn about fundamental British values and participate in voting for pupil leadership positions.
Staff at Barnsbury Primary School take pride in their work and feel well-supported by school leaders, who consider their workload when implementing policies. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring that staff are trained to recognize signs of potential harm and follow proper procedures for referrals.
Overall, Barnsbury Primary School and Nursery continues to provide a good education, with a strong focus on pupil well-being, academic achievement, and character development. While there are areas for improvement in curriculum planning, the school is committed to enhancing the educational experience for all its pupils.
